A New Era of Pop Music: Rising Stars Poised to Take the Throne

By Kyle Arjoonsingh

Ariana Grande, the pop princess who once reigned supreme, is stepping back from the spotlight. 

“I’m always going to make music. I’m always going to go on stage. I’m always going to do pop stuff. I pinky promise. But I don’t think doing it at the rate I’ve been doing it for the past 10 years is where I see the next 10 years,” she said on a recent episode of the “Las Culturistas” podcast, hosted by comedians Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang.

After a decade of dominating the charts with hits like “Problem,” “Break Free” and “Dangerous Woman,” Grande is shifting her focus to acting, most notably as Glinda in Jon M. Chu’s highly anticipated 2024 adaptation of “Wicked.” As one era fades, a new wave of pop stars are ready to take center stage, prompting the question: Who will rise to become the new queen of pop?

One such rising star is Chappell Roan, a singer-songwriter with a unique blend of indie-pop and alternative rock. Roan’s approach to music is extremely different — and that’s why we love her. Her hit singles “Hot to Go” and “Good Luck, Babe” were on our playlists all summer long. With a fearless blend of vulnerability and edge, Roan’s music resonates with listeners looking for something raw and refreshing in a pop landscape often dominated by polished perfection. Her lyrics, which often explore themes of self-empowerment, love and queerness, have garnered her a dedicated fanbase that sees her as a voice for the next generation. 

Pop sensations Chappell Roan (left) and Sabrina Carpenter (right) have risen to the top of the lists for many fans with their recent output. Photo by Wikimedia Commons

Roan is not alone in carrying the torch for this new wave of pop; another promising newcomer is Sabrina Carpenter.

Carpenter first rose to fame on the Disney Channel, but she has since catapulted into the broader music spotlight. Her latest album, “Short n’ Sweet,” went platinum, charting number one on the Billboard 200 following its release. Just like her hit songs “Espresso” and “Please Please Please,” we can’t keep her out of our heads. With each new release, she is continuing the rise up in the ranks and cementing herself as an icon for the masses.

With these fresh faces joining the ranks, who’s the real queen of pop? The truth is, in today’s music scene, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The pop music landscape has evolved, and there’s plenty of room on the throne for a variety of voices to shine. Grande’s legacy as a chart-topping artist isn’t going anywhere, even as she shifts her focus. Meanwhile, the newer artists like Roan and Carpenter are bringing their own distinct sounds and stories, resonating with new generations of fans.

Each of these artists is carving out a unique place in pop culture history, bringing something different yet equally captivating to the ears of listeners. The magic of pop music is that it can evolve to reflect the voices and tastes of the moment — and right now, it’s as diverse and dynamic as ever. In the end, maybe the “queen of pop” isn’t one person. Maybe it’s a collective, a chorus of voices that together create the soundtrack of our time.

As Grande steps back a bit, she’s not leaving a void — she’s making space for a new generation to thrive alongside her. Pop music’s throne has room for anyone bold enough to take the stage, and that’s what makes it exciting.